5 Cover Songs That Aerosmith Made Better
WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 4: Rock band Aerosmith rehearses for the 2003 "NFL Kickoff Live from the National Mall" September 4, 2003 in Washington, DC. Thousands of American military personnel will attend a concert featuring Britney Spears, Blige, Aerosmith, Good Charlotte and Aretha Franklin, September 4, 2003 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
Aerosmith, the iconic rock band that took the music scene by storm in 1970, has not only created unforgettable classics like “Dream On,” “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Crazy.”
Beyond their original tunes, Aerosmith has taken on covers from other artists and given them a whole new life. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and check out the 5 Cover Songs that Aerosmith owned:
1. Helter Skelter
Aerosmith’s take on “Helter Skelter” is a nod to the Beatles, demonstrating their respect for the iconic band. While maintaining the original swing, Aerosmith injects their distinctive style, with the lead guitar solo and fills faithfully echoing the Beatles’ version. This rendition showcases Aerosmith’s ability to honor and enhance a timeless classic.
2. Cry Me A River
Transforming the misty ballad “Cry Me a River” from the 1950s, made famous by Julie London, Aerosmith turns it into an otherworldly experience. Steven Tyler’s vocals soar, breathing new life into the song and adding a mesmerizing quality. This rendition exemplifies Aerosmith’s talent for infusing their unique touch into well-loved classics.
3. I Ain’t Got You
Featured on their first live album, Live! Bootleg, recorded during a 1978 Boston show, “I Ain’t Got You” originally surfaced in a 1973 show bootleg. With over 400,000 people in attendance, Aerosmith’s performance infuses vibrant energy into the track, making it a standout moment in their musical journey.
4. Never Loved A Girl
Aretha Franklin’s soulful “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You)” undergoes a captivating transformation in Aerosmith’s hands, now titled “Never Loved a Girl” for obvious reasons. Steven Tyler’s vocals take center stage, subtly shifting the emphasis to the guitars and providing the song with a unique Aerosmith flavor.
5. Rattlesnake Shake
Aerosmith’s live cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rattlesnake Shake,” featured on the Pandora’s Box box set in 1991, is a hidden gem. Originally penned by Peter Green, this rendition exemplifies Aerosmith’s knack for giving classics a fresh perspective. It’s a must-listen, showcasing their ability to reinterpret and breathe new life into timeless tracks for both seasoned and new fans alike.
